The Taoiseach has ruled out looking for a side deal with the UK before the Brexit talks begin.

Mr Kenny says Ireland has to act hand-in-hand with the other 26 countries who'll be staying within the Union.

The UK's House of Lords has suggested a bilateral deal with Ireland would be the best way to guarantee the future of Northern Ireland and the border.

But leaving a summit of EU leaders in Brussels last night Enda Kenny said that's not possible: "Well I think that the European Council are very clear that there won’t be any negotiations until after article 50 is triggered.

"Her request today was that it would be early in the discussions and obviously at official level and at the barnia level, I'm sure that is a matter that will come into focus when she moves article 50."